Category: Get Fit Challenge

(BPT) – Winter can stretch for a very long time in many areas of the country, and with the extensive cold often comes the temptation to let weight loss goals fall by the wayside.

If you’ve set out to lose weight and get healthy in 2013, but are not sure how to keep going another month, much less the rest of the year, take advice from Registered Dietitian Anika DeCoster, program manager of the 90-Day Challenge for Life Time Fitness, The Healthy Way of Life Company. In its third year the national weight loss contest has helped a total of 58,000 people lose a cumulative 145,000 pounds.

“A great weight loss program provides a combination of the right exercise, nutrition and lifestyle factors, including stress management and good sleep,” DeCoster says. “In addition, I’ve noticed that those who succeed in losing the most weight take their efforts further in order to win the competition.”

She says adopting these five strategies can improve your chances of winning at weight loss.

1. Find your motivation.

You can’t lose weight because your doctor said to, or your spouse hinted you should, or a close friend passive-aggressively suggested it. “Real winners spend time thinking about and identifying their own motive for losing weight,” DeCoster says. “The more emotion you put into something, the more likely you’ll commit for the long term.-Spend time reflecting and understanding why you’ll stop at nothing to achieve your overall goal.” This doesn’t mean you have to face your weight loss challenge alone, DeCoster adds. “But acknowledge that you are the only one to actively change your behavior.”

2. Learn how and make it a habit.

“As the saying goes, ‘motivation is what gets you started, but habits are what keep you going,’” DeCoster says. Forming healthy lifestyle habits will lead to long-term weight loss success. But making changes takes work and time.-”Most people know what they need to do but often prevent their own success because they never take the time to learn how,” DeCoster says. “For example, you might want to eat healthier and know that you should eat more vegetables, but if you don’t know strategies to add more vegetables to your diet, your success will be limited.”-Do your research or hire a coach to help you learn about sound nutrition and exercise.

3. Write your goal down, and publicize it.

A 2007 study from Dominican University in California reported that people who put their goals in writing are more successful than those who think about them. Success rate increases further by making those goals public. Participants in the study who merely considered their goals succeeded 43 percent of the time, whereas those who wrote goals down increased their success rate to 64 percent. Those who wrote down their goals and reported their progress weekly to a friend succeeded an average of 76 percent. Thanks to the Internet, you can share your progress via social media. In fact, a study published this month in Translational Behavioral Medicine revealed that participants in a weight loss program who also used Twitter as a support tool lost more weight.

4. Take a “before photo.”

You might want to skip this step, but don’t; real winners take before photos seriously.-A before photo is the starting line, the benchmark to stay motivated and be reminded of how far you’ve come. DeCoster says photos should show as much skin as you would in a swimsuit and should capture front, back and side views.-”When you are the one losing weight, it can be hard to see the daily metabolic change that is going inside of your body,” DeCoster says, adding that along with the photo make sure you jot down starting weight and measurements.

5. Focus on good behaviors to master, not bad behaviors to stop.

Make your weight loss journey a positive one. “Instead of telling yourself you really need to stop eating fast food for lunch, focus more on planning and packing lunches instead. Instead of telling yourself you can’t have any sweets, remind yourself you’re choosing healthier rewards,” DeCoster explains. The shift may seem subtle, but the payoff to the approach results in long-term lifestyle changes.

If these tips from competitive weight loss winners aren’t enough, entering a weight loss competition yourself could fortify your resolve. A 2009 study published in the journal Obesity concluded that team-based competitions can successfully reduce BMI and obesity rates within participating groups.

“Group dynamics can boost weight loss success,” says DeCoster, whose 90 Day Challenge kicks off Feb. 9 (www.lifetime-weightloss.com/90day). “Sharing your expectations with teammates and having a team hold you accountable, while supporting you at the same time fosters a no-fail atmosphere and inspires you to achieve a healthy way of life.”

(BPT) – Losing weight can dramatically improve your emotional and physical health, but it’s often a slow process. Millions of American adults use dietary supplements to lose weight, choosing a range of products that claim to decrease appetite, block fat absorption or increase metabolism. But with hundreds of products on the market, how do you determine which one to choose?

Here are some myths and facts about weight loss and weight-loss supplements that may help you cut through the clutter:

Fiction: You can lose weight fast … and keep it off.

Fact: It takes time to lose weight safely, and keep it off. Losing a pound or two per week is actually an excellent rate of weight loss. If you lose any more than that, then it is very likely that the weight loss will not be permanent – it will come right back. Rapid weight loss is not healthy – it often means you are losing water and lean muscle mass, not the desired fat mass. Intense weight loss of more than three pounds per week over several consecutive weeks can be damaging to your organs and cause health problems.

Be cautious about promises of quick results, such as “lose 10 pounds in one week” or “this celebrity sprinkled her way to weight loss.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Look for overblown claims on the label, such as “miracle fat burner” or “miracle cure.” If you’re unsure about a product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Or, research the supplement manufacturer to see if they have conducted studies to support the claims they are making. If you are not making lifestyle changes as well, your weight loss is less likely to be maintained.

Fiction: You have to overhaul your diet and give up your favorite foods.

Fact: You don’t have to overhaul your diet. In fact, studies have shown that making significant changes in your diet does not work over time. It is very hard to stick to diets, especially fad diets. Instead, simple changes work, including portion control (eating less) and moderate exercise. If you eat fast food, don’t supersize.

Fiction: You have to work out for 30 minutes to an hour each day to maintain or lose weight.

Fact: Scientific research demonstrates that 15 minutes a day of exercise is enough to lose weight, especially in conjunction with weight loss supplements that have human clinical research support that they accelerate fat burning, such as NuShape brand supplement. The important thing is to be active at least 15 minutes a day to get exercise benefits, including taking the stairs or getting off at an earlier subway stop.

Dr. Michael Zemel, former director of nutrition at the University of Tennessee, notes that simple lifestyle changes are the key to weight-loss success. “People put too much pressure on themselves to change everything in their diets, which sets them up for failure,” says Zemel. “Instead, set your sights on making several small dietary and lifestyle changes, and you’ll lose weight without really missing out.”-

Zemel created NuShape, an all-natural dietary supplement that is scientifically demonstrated to work with the body to turn 15 minutes of moderate exercise into 60 minutes of fat burning. When combined with 15 minutes of exercise a day, NuShape’s unique formulation helps the body burn 300 calories for sustainable weight loss. And there are no known side effects.

Fiction: All weight-loss supplements are the same.

Fact: There are no magic pills, but there are a few (very few) good ones. Many weight loss supplements and products on the market have no scientific backing and just rely on hype. When choosing a weight loss supplement, look to see if there are scientific studies behind it and whether they have been published in a scientific journal. Look for products that base their claims on clinical evidence for the formulation they are selling. For example, there is limited, if any, clinical evidence to support many of the most popular weight loss ingredients, such as green coffee, raspberry ketones or HCG.

Also, be wary of side effects. Many supplements on the market contain stimulants. Avoid products with excessive levels of caffeine, which can cause increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Others cause gastrointestinal problems because they block the fat from entering your body. Check the label: If a supplement does not identify its ingredients or calls them a “secret formulation,” steer clear of that supplement.

For more information on the all-natural weight-loss supplement NuShape, please visit www.nushape.com.

(Family Features) Losing weight and getting into shape is a goal many Americans aspire to achieve. Choosing a weight loss plan that fits your lifestyle is a crucial first step in developing the diet that works for you.

The road to a sound weight loss plan should begin with the following steps:

Talk with your doctorFirst and foremost, speak with your doctor. Your healthcare provider can help you set attainable weight loss goals as well as discuss any medical conditions you have or medications you may take that could affect your ability to modify your diet. Talking with your doctor can help you find a plan that’s tailored to your particular needs.

Choose the right plan for you
One size does not fit all when it comes to diets. In fact, several studies featured in the International Journal of Obesity Supplements (IJOS) reported that adults with greater insulin resistance are more successful with weight loss on a low-carbohydrate diet compared with a low-fat diet. In such cases, a low-carbohydrate diet such as the Atkins Diet has been proven to have positive results on insulin resistance. Dieters start with a focus on carbohydrates from vegetables and slowly add back fruit, nuts and whole grains as one’s carb balance is established and weight loss goals are met. Opt for a diet backed by science over the latest fad.

Commit to your Plan
Losing weight and keeping it off requires a long-term commitment. Once you have developed your weight loss plan it is important that you stick with it. You need to make healthy changes to both your diet and lifestyle.

Your diet should include foods you will enjoy eating for a long time, not just for a few weeks or months. Adopt a plan that gives you the ability to enjoy a variety of food options. For example, if you are a veggie lover, the Atkins Diet could be a good plan for you to follow. From day one, the low-carb diet allows you to consume more vegetables than are recommended by USDA Guidelines. In fact, you can even follow Atkins as a vegetarian or vegan. Finding a plan that works for your lifestyle and incorporates more of the foods you already love will help reinforce your new healthier eating habits.

Drink more waterThe Beverage Institute reports that the average adult in the US gets a significant portion of their calories from beverages, mostly in the form of carbohydrates. Avoid drinking sugary sodas, juices and alcohol, and replace these with more water.

Rally support
The first few weeks of the diet can be the most difficult. To be successful, look to family and friends who have made similar lifestyle changes for support and advice.

Doing a little homework and smart planning can help you choose a weight loss plan that will help you be successful both now and for the rest of your life. For more tips, ideas and free tools, visit www.atkins.com.

(ARA) – The beginning of the new school year means busy mornings for both mom and the kids. We rush out of bed, shower and get dressed, wake up the kids and give them breakfast, and make sure they catch the bus on time. The routine may be chaotic, but it gets both you and the kids on track and helps you stay on schedule for the rest of the day.

But no matter how well-organized we are during those first weeks of school, just when we think we have our mornings under control, autumn activities kick in. That means an even busier schedule of school, after-school lessons, club meetings, sports practices and homework. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s only going to get more hectic.

Registered dietitian Mitzi Dulan is a nutrition and fitness expert and mother of two busy, active girls. She understands how difficult it is to stick to the morning routines we kept during the first days of school.

“As the fall season rolls around, children begin participating in sports, music or other extra curricular activities,” she says. “They may need additional gear or school supplies. And as the cool fall weather kicks in, we need to put away the summer and early-fall clothing and make sure everyone has new clothes for the colder months ahead.”

As carefully as we had planned our morning schedules at the start of the school year, she says, “with so much more to pay attention to, suddenly we find it harder to stay on track. Now is a good time to get back into good habits and to start new ones.”

If you’ve fallen off your morning routine, here are some tips to climb back on:

1. Do as much as possible the night before. Make your kids’ lunches. Give them their baths or showers. Check homework and other school-bound material. Lay out the next day’s clothes. Load backpacks and book bags, and sit them by the door. Set the table for breakfast. Get the coffeemaker ready to perk at the push of a button. Leave as little to do in the morning as you possibly can.

2. Wake up a little earlier. Set your alarm 15 minutes early to build in a little cushion of time to make sure breakfasts are eaten, shoes tied, and teeth and hair are brushed. Take a moment for a quick inventory: Does each child have his or her lunch money? Do they have the sports gear, musical instruments or other items that will be needed for after-school activities?

3. Don’t skip breakfast. Kids can be thrown off schedule easily, especially when it comes to eating breakfast. Make it easy for your child to start the day with breakfast by providing items that taste good and provide essential nutrients. A quick, nutritious way to start the morning is with Carnation Breakfast Essentials drinks. Each serving has two times the protein of an egg and two times the calcium of a standard 6-ounce cup of yogurt, plus 21 vitamins and minerals.

4. Avoid distractions. Turn off the TV, the radio, electronics, cellphones, and hand-held games. The morning is busy enough without electronic stimulation. Check your voice mail and email before everyone else gets up, or put it off until the kids head out for school. Not only can you get more things done, but you can actually spend important family time together at the breakfast table.

5. Set up a neighborhood “walk pool.” If there are several children in your community who take the same bus to school, there’s no reason for each child to be accompanied by his or her parent every day. Talk to your neighbors and set up a schedule to take turns walking a small group of kids to the bus stop each morning. It will bring the neighborhood closer and give everybody time for an extra cup of coffee.

(ARA) – When fingers get pointed in debates over the obesity epidemic in the United States, technology sometimes shoulders some of the blame. Time in front of computer screens or television is often listed as part of the reason why Americans aren’t as healthy as they have been in the past. But the truth is there are also technological advances that have the potential to guide you in your quest for a healthier lifestyle, whether that is eating right, exercising or keeping tabs on vital numbers that are important to your health.

Take smart phone applications for example. Nowadays, you can find applications for just about anything in life that might capture your interest, and healthy living is no exception. So if you’re looking to stay fit and healthy, here are six mobile apps that give you and your family a little extra help:

Lose It!: Counting calories is perhaps the simplest and most effective way to keep track of your health goals, especially if it involves weight loss. But it’s difficult to do all the adding and subtracting in your head, which is where the free app Lose It! comes in. The app allows you to enter what you eat each day and calculates not only calories, but fat, protein, cholesterol and carbohydrates based on portion size. It also allows you to enter different types of workouts, from walking to yoga, to see how many calories you will burn while you are exercising.

Carb Counting with Lenny: This app is designed to help children with diabetes count carbohydrates to help manage their diabetes, but can be of use to anyone. Using their mascot Lenny the Lion, who also uses insulin pump therapy, Medtronic Diabetes introduced this app, which allows children with type 1 diabetes to learn about carbohydrate levels in basic foods. The application also allows users to create a customizable food guide using their own photos or ones they find on the Internet, as well as play games to test their carb-counting knowledge. Periodic contests and giveaways (www.medtronicdiabetes.com/carb-counting-contest) are announced to reward registered users who get highest game scores. Medtronic Diabetes, which makes such products as continuous glucose monitoring devices, designed the app to be useful and educational for both children with diabetes and others who are interested in monitoring carb intake.

Size Me Up: Another application for kids. This one allows children to enter their current height and receive estimates for how tall they might be in the future, at any given age. This can be used to help keep your child motivated to eat right, so they can grow up to be tall and healthy.

BP Buddy: This application allows people who are monitoring their blood pressure to input their blood pressure numbers and heart rate numbers and log them for up to 60 days. An e-mail feature allows users to send their numbers to their doctor for analysis.

The Carrot: As an interactive journal, this application allows you to track multiple items related to health. In addition to entering information on meals, workouts, and even medication, you can also enter your assessment of your moods or the level of job satisfaction you are feeling at the moment to see if you can pinpoint what healthy habits work best for you.

FitReach: This training and diet application allows you to enter information on your meals, as well as workouts. It also encourages you to do regular weigh-ins so you can compare your weight loss with your goals on graphs that are a part of the app.

Applications are available on iTunes and can also be downloaded through your iPhone, smart phone or other compatible mobile device.

(ARA) – If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes – Type 2 diabetes in particular – you may have been told you need to make some significant lifestyle changes to maintain your health. Those changes can seem challenging, even for the most disciplined people.

Many Americans with diabetes also suffer from neuropathy, a burning, tingling sensation caused by nerve pain, often affecting the feet most. Nerve pain can make it nearly impossible to build exercise into daily life, no matter how disciplined you are.

“I had numbness and shooting pain on the pads of my feet, near my toes. It was getting to the point where I couldn’t walk across the room, let alone exercise regularly,” says Sue Bartlett, who suffers from nerve pain associated with diabetes. “As a diabetic, I know I’m supposed to exercise, but the pain was keeping me from getting on my feet.”

But relief is available at your local drug store. Neuragen, an over-the-counter topical pain reliever, offers relief for people suffering from nerve pain.

Neuragen is a homeopathic drug that can be applied at the site of nerve pain. About 70 to 80 percent of people who use Neuragen experience rapid pain relief, and one out of two of those people benefit from a remarkable level of pain relief – their pain is reduced by half or better. Often pain reduction happens within 30 minutes of application.

Now that the product is widely available in the U.S. and Canada, people with neuropathy can get back on their feet again. Many also find it easier to sleep and feel generally happier because the chronic pain is reduced.

Once you’re feeling better, it’s important to ease into your new healthy lifestyle step by step. Too often, people jump into lifestyle changes and give up because the change is too dramatic.

“Once they’re no longer suffering from chronic pain, I suggest patients build exercise and healthy eating habits into their lives gradually,” says Dr. Alex MacLellan, a naturopathic physician based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “Taking the stairs to work, eating more fruit and vegetables, even getting more sleep and having a positive attitude can make you healthier.”

Dr. MacLellan suggests focusing on the areas of your life where realistic improvements can be made. Some of these include:

Exercise in short bursts. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that thin people burn calories by incorporating more short bursts of activity into their day. Consider little things like delivering a message to your colleague in person instead of by e-mail, or exercising during the commercials while watching your favorite television show. These activities are easy to build into your routine and burn calories throughout the day.

Get more sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to physical and emotional well-being. People are healthier and happier when they’re well-rested. If you’re having trouble getting to bed earlier, try moving your bed time back a minute or so at a time. Over time you’ll build in extra sleep and start to feel better.

Build in healthy foods. Modifying your diet with healthier fare can help you lose weight and better control your diabetes. Try adding something good for you to each meal – whether it’s raspberries or radishes. If you keep it up, eventually the good foods will win out.

Be happy. It’s sometimes difficult to feel cheerful when you’re dealing with a chronic illness. But looking at life more positively can improve your mental and physical well-being. When you’re feeling down, consider the things you’re most grateful for and keep them in mind.

“By introducing small changes into your life, you’re more likely to succeed in improving your health for the long term,” adds Dr. MacLellan.

To find out more about how you can relieve nerve pain and improve your day-to-day life, visit www.neuragen.com.

(ARA) – Chronic diseases, like heart disease and diabetes, are among the most common, costly and preventable of all health problems in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, health screening tests are an easy way to detect these conditions early, so you can prevent symptoms from worsening. And, if you’re diagnosed with a condition, regular testing can help determine how well you’re managing the disease.

Knowing your healthy range is key. Strive for these numbers:

* For total cholesterol, the CDC identifies healthy levels as below 200 mg/dL. When levels reach 240 mg/dL or higher, you become at high risk for heart disease.

* For blood pressure, look for anything less than 120 over less than 80 mmHg, says the CDC. Levels above that indicate prehypertension, which can lead to chronic high blood pressure.

Blood glucose levels also should be checked if you are determined to be at risk for diabetes. Risk factors for diabetes include:

* Age 45 or older
* Overweight
* Family history of the disease
* High blood pressure
* Abnormal cholesterol readings

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the basic goal for people with diabetes is a reading between 70 and 130 on an empty stomach, and less than 180 two hours after the start of a meal. If your blood sugar is too high for too long, you could be at risk for long-term complications.

Fortunately, at-home testing kits make it easier for people to know their healthy ranges, and some products are covered by insurance if you have to manage a chronic condition like diabetes.

“There are dozens of brands and styles to choose from when it comes to at-home testing kits,” adds Gordon. “Your doctor or pharmacist can help determine the one that’s best for you. If you have trouble reading small numbers, for example, you’ll need a meter with a large display. Your pharmacist also can identify ways to save on testing products, such as by using generic test strips.”

(ARA) – Getting fit makes you feel good inside and out. When you exercise, your clothes fit better, your energy levels get a boost and it helps the stresses of your life melt away in a pure endorphin rush. Luckily, no matter where you live, it’s easier than ever to get exercise all year round so that you can maintain your health and fitness.

Whether you’re pounding the pavement or hitting the gym, keep in mind that beauty and working out aren’t mutually exclusive. With a bit of smart preparation, you’ll be feeling good during your fitness routine and gorgeously glowing afterward. Keep these ideas in mind to help you look great, even between workouts.

* High and dry: High temperatures might be what we crave during colder months, but when you’re being active, they can make you feel less than your best. For a new way to stay fresh and dry, The Body Shop offers its DeoDry collection – it gives you 24-hour protection and contains no aluminum salts or parabens. Powered by a volcanic mineral that has powerful absorption abilities, the deodorants will help you stay dry during your hardest workouts.

* In the drink: As you work out, it’s natural that your body will shed water in the form of sweat, and it’s essential that you keep your body’s fluid levels up. Dehydration can cause everything from discomfort to serious sickness, so don’t let your body down. Even when you’re not working out, hot days call for extra hydration. The added benefits are that drinking more water can help to keep your skin clear and your appetite sated.

* Face forward: The exertion of exercising can be a pore-clogging nightmare. That’s why it’s particularly important to have a good skin care regime adapted to your skin’s needs. To keep your skin radiant and in balance, keep products like a refreshing mist spritz and an exfoliating cleanser on hand and in your medicine cabinet. The Body Shop Vitamin C skincare line has those two essential items and more – including a must-have SPF 30 daily moisturizer.

* Hair apparent: Swimming’s a great way to stay active – whether in the pool or the ocean – but it can take a toll on your locks. Whatever your activities, it’s important to use an eco-friendly shampoo – after all, a good choice for the environment can be a good choice for you, too. The Rainforest Hair Care collection from The Body Shop will leave your tresses shiny and manageable and is free of parabens, silicone and colorants. Even better, all the formulations are biodegradable so they are not harmful to organisms living in the water. If your tresses are stressed out, be sure to give them a deep conditioning treatment, too.

Whether your inspiration is getting healthy or a beauty boost, exercise is the best way to do it. Taking advantage of the opportunity to work out, regardless of the season, with these thoughts in mind will help you look your best, throughout the year. For more information, go to www.thebodyshop-usa.com.

(ARA) – Love isn’t the only human experience that may make you wonder, “How can something so good hurt so bad?” You might find yourself asking that question after your morning run, afternoon power walk or other physical activity that demands a lot from your feet.

Physical activity like running, brisk walking and playing sports can be great for your body; exercise improves cardiovascular health, burns calories and builds muscle strength. Summer is a great time to stay – or get – active, but you still need to take precautions to ensure your exercise routine is also healthy for your feet.

“Let’s face it – we all have a lot riding on our feet, and we demand a great deal from them, especially when we’re engaging in strenuous exercise,” says Dr. Kathleen Stone, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Foot health is a key component of overall health and well-being. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to take the right steps toward protecting your feet when you run, jog, power walk or engage in other exercise.”

First, be aware of common ailments of the season like athlete’s foot, blisters, nail fungus, foot odor and warts, and the summer foot fixes that can help cure them. Next, take these steps to minimize the risk of injury or other problems when running or exercising:

Stretch before and after activity

Lactic acid is the chemical by-product of exercise that causes muscles to ache after a workout. Stretching improves your circulation and decreases the buildup of lactic acid; it can also help relieve stiffness and prevent strain. Simple stretches like flexing the hamstrings, stretching calves, Achilles tendons and shins can help ensure your workout is safe.

Choose an appropriate running shoe

The only real expense of running or walking is buying shoes, so it pays to invest in a good pair that will provide the support you need to have a safe, successful workout. If you’re prone to swollen feet later in the day, try on athletic shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are most swollen, to ensure a proper fit. Shoes should be stable from side to side, well-cushioned but with enough room to wiggle your toes, and snug to the heel. You can find a list of healthy footwear that carries the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance on the organization’s website, www.APMA.org.

Be aware of the surface

The surface you’re running on makes a difference in how hard the activity is on your feet. Hard, uneven ground can lead to stress fractures, or slips and falls. Softer ground is more foot-friendly and causes less shock than harder surfaces. If possible, run or walk on grass or dirt paths that are flat, even and well-manicured. Think twice about running in inclement weather. If your feet are wet and cold, the ground will feel harder and you’ll be more prone to slipping.

Listen to your feet

It’s not normal to experience pain or changes in the feet and ankles. If you experience foot pain that lasts for more than a few days, see a podiatrist for evaluation. She can tell you if the pain is a minor, passing problem or a symptom of something more serious such as injury or disease. You can find a podiatrist at www.APMA.org.

(ARA) – Many of us want to embrace a healthier lifestyle, but are looking for some assistance to keep ourselves on track. Luckily, with today’s technology, there are resources online and offline that can be used to help us stay motivated and track progress.

Take advantage of your smart phone.

Weight Watchers offers an application for iPhone and iPod Touch users. All users of the free app can view recipes and articles, create shopping lists, learn to make smarter food choices with interactive cheat sheets, and much more. And if you’re following the popular weight management plan and subscribe to Weight Watchers Online or Weight Watchers eTools, the iPhone App lets you access your plan information and track your food and activity from wherever you are – at a restaurant, in the grocery store, on vacation or just out running errands.

“As mobile technology advances so do the tools that help enhance your healthy lifestyle, making it easier for you to keep track of your weight loss no matter how busy you might be,” says WeightWatchers.com’s Editor-in-Chief Theresa DiMasi. “These tools help you make healthy choices and help you stay on track which can make a significant difference in your success.”

Track with a variety of tech tools.
Along with making better food choices, many factors can help you achieve healthy, sustainable weight loss including exercise and sleep. Keeping track of calories burned is easier by using a pedometer that can monitor how far you’ve walked or run.

Sleep is also an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and can play a crucial role in weight loss. There are a number of high tech products on the market today that can monitor your sleeping patterns, helping gauge your sleep quality and pinpoint the factors that affect it.

Virtually connect with like minded individuals.
Social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, offer the opportunity for millions of users to connect with each other based on similar goals and interests including healthy living. Companies like Weight Watchers also have robust, interactive social networking sites. Weight Watchers Community site lets users connect with other people in their quest to better health, and exchange motivational wall posts with friends. The site also offers many challenges, insights from bloggers, and encouragement for anyone striving to live a healthier lifestyle.